The senator opened up with remarks about the budget process and reminded everyone that it used to be “earmarks” that funded a lot of the region’s transportation needs.

He mentioned the “E Street Corridor” as an example of earmark funding.

“The Senate is currently considering the reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation funding and Frederick County has important transportation priorities that I support,” he told a room full of Frederick County officials, including Frederick Mayor Randy McClement.

Local officials mentioned the following transportation concerns:

Highways 270 and 15

Highway 70 and the Meadow Road connection

Expanding the current runway for the airport

McClement’s biggest concern is the $13 million loan that the city took out to remove buildings on the current airport property to help with its expansion. The government has not reimbursed the city yet. The mayor has asked for the senator’s help in getting the loan paid off.

Cardin also announced Tuesday the Frederick Municipal Airport will be the first in Maryland to use new technology to track aircraft.